The art of boatbuilding continues on centuries later in Essex, Massachusetts
Rachel Holt
Rachel Holt is a lifestyle reporter for WBZ-TV.
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Associated Press
an hour ago
- Associated Press
Renata Rolefes Expands Her Global Reach with Caribbean-Inspired Art
Renata Rolefes announces the global expansion of her vibrant Caribbean-inspired art, bringing joy through color and culture to new international markets and exhibitions, with recent recognition as the Best Caribbean-Inspired Artist in the U.S. of 2025. Curaçao and U.S., August 17, 2025 -- Renata Rolefes, the celebrated artist behind Renata Rolefes Art, has announced the expansion of her colorful and joyful artwork to new international markets. Known for her vibrant depictions of the Caribbean's landscapes, culture, and natural beauty, Renata's paintings have captured the attention of collectors and art lovers worldwide. From the United States and Canada to the UK, Costa Rica, and Aruba, her works have found homes across the globe, aligning with her growing international presence. This global outreach coincides with her participation in Miami Art Week 2024 and her upcoming return to Spectrum Miami 2025. Renata's art captures not only the visual beauty of the Caribbean but also its soul. Drawing deep inspiration from the culture, rhythm, and warmth of Curaçao, where she now resides, her works are filled with joy, movement, and energy that resonate universally. 'Every painting I create is a reflection of the happiness I feel living in the Caribbean. Color is more than just a visual element; it's a language of joy,' she explains. From the Netherlands to Curaçao: A Journey in Color Renata's artistic journey began in Europe, but it was her relocation to Curaçao that profoundly influenced her distinctive style. The island's breathtaking light, rich culture, and vibrant environment ignited Renata's creative spark, pushing her to combine her European techniques with the spontaneous energy of the Caribbean. The result is a bold, dynamic style that radiates positivity and emotion, whether she's painting landscapes, animals, or portraits. Her pieces are an invitation to experience the Caribbean through a lens of warmth and light. Whether creating abstract works, pet portraits, or custom commissions, each piece is a reflection of Renata's philosophy: art is meant to connect, inspire, and share joy. Recent Award: Best Caribbean-Inspired Artist in the U.S. of 2025 Renata's exceptional talent has recently earned her the prestigious title of Best Caribbean-Inspired Artist in the U.S. of 2025. This recognition, awarded by Best of Best Review, highlights Renata's remarkable ability to blend the rich cultural heritage of the Caribbean with the refined techniques she developed in Europe. Her artwork, characterized by bold colors, dynamic compositions, and a unique sense of joy, has made her a leading figure in the international art scene. Renata's work has touched collectors and art enthusiasts worldwide, and this award further solidifies her status as a prominent artist in the Caribbean and beyond. 'This award is a reflection of my journey and my mission to bring happiness and color into the world,' she says. International Recognition and Upcoming Exhibitions Renata's paintings have been featured in galleries across the globe in previous years, and her participation in international exhibitions has increased her visibility. Notable events like Miami Art Week 2024 showcased her vibrant works, and her return to Spectrum Miami 2025 reinforces her growing presence in the global art Renata's artwork is prominently displayed in her own gallery in Curaçao, where collectors can experience her joyful creations firsthand. Her commissioned works, including custom portraits and abstract pieces, have become particularly sought-after, offering clients a personal connection to her art. Renata's Mission: Spreading Joy Through Every Brushstroke Renata's mission extends beyond art; it is about creating connections and evoking positive emotions through each piece. 'Art is meant to bring people joy, and every brushstroke is infused with the warmth and positivity that I experience every day,' Renata shares. Her distinctive style—a blend of European sophistication and Caribbean energy—has led to a diverse body of work that speaks to a global audience. Looking Forward: The Future of Renata Rolefes Art Renata's continued success at international exhibitions and her growing global following reflect her expanding influence as an artist. As she prepares for upcoming events like Spectrum Miami 2025, Renata is committed to spreading positivity through her vibrant artwork. With her passion for color and culture, she is poised to inspire and uplift more individuals worldwide. 'I believe my art can bring joy to the world, and I'm grateful to see my work shared in so many homes and galleries across the globe. This is only the beginning,' Renata says. About Renata Rolefes Art Renata Rolefes Art is the creative studio behind Renata Rolefes' signature Caribbean-inspired artwork. Originally from the Netherlands and now based in Curaçao, Renata blends European painting techniques with the vibrant energy of the Caribbean to create art that resonates with positivity, life, and joy. Renata's works have been exhibited internationally, with pieces displayed in private collections around the world. Her gallery in Willemstad, Curaçao, showcases her original paintings year-round. Renata's mission is to bring happiness through her art, with each piece telling a unique story of color, emotion, and life. Media Contact: Renata Rolefes Renata Rolefes Art Owner and Artist Email: [email protected] Website: Facebook: Renata Rolefes Art Instagram: @renatarolefesart Pinterest: Happy Paintings Curacao LinkedIn: Renata Rolefes Contact Info: Name: Renata Rolefes Email: Send Email Organization: Renata Rolefes Art Website: Release ID: 89167473 If you encounter any issues, discrepancies, or concerns regarding the content provided in this press release, or if there is a need for a press release takedown, we urge you to notify us without delay at [email protected] (it is important to note that this email is the authorized channel for such matters, sending multiple emails to multiple addresses does not necessarily help expedite your request). Our expert team will be available to promptly respond within 8 hours – ensuring swift resolution of identified issues or offering guidance on removal procedures. Delivering accurate and reliable information is fundamental to our mission.
Forbes
4 hours ago
- Forbes
New Ways Travel Insurance Can Keep You Safe When You're Traveling
Travel insurance can warn you of imminent dangers such as wildfires. getty Travel insurance may cover you if you get into trouble on your next vacation. But what if travel insurance could help you avoid trouble? Consider a natural disaster like the Los Angeles wildfires earlier this year. If you'd had a travel insurance policy with Travelex and downloaded its Travel On app to your phone, the insurance company would have sent you real-time updates and access to support. "These alerts can help you react quickly and adjust your plans, which might mean finding a safer area to avoid disruptions," says Will Nihan, CEO of Travelex Insurance Services. "It's an effective way travelers can stay informed and prepared while they're traveling.' This summer, travel insurance companies are embracing a simple idea: If they can keep their policyholders safe, they can prevent a claim from being filed — and that's a win for everyone. The timing is good. Travelers are more worried about safety than ever. A recent survey by Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection (BHTP) listed international terrorism, environmental issues like extreme weather or natural disasters, and flight disruptions as their top three perceived travel threats for 2025. A poll of Medjet members reveals 76 percent are more worried about traveling this year. Mike Hallman, CEO of Medjet, says his company had to expand its membership services department to keep up with an influx of calls. "People are definitely more concerned," he says. What should you look for in your travel insurance if you're trying to stay safe this summer? John Rose, chief risk officer for ALTOUR, a global corporate travel management company, says the newest travel insurance policies address those concerns with a list of new security features. "Travelers need a comprehensive and adaptable policy to handle the complexities of today's travel landscape," he says. They include: 24/7 assistance services: These should cover a wide range of needs, from emergency medical assistance to navigating local emergencies like natural disasters or political unrest. Medical evacuation coverage: This is essential, especially when traveling to remote or high-risk areas. Ensure the policy covers transportation to a medical facility and the logistics of getting home if necessary. Security evacuation services: With the increasing frequency of civil unrest and political instability, policies should also include evacuation services for travelers in unsafe situations. Travel delay and interruption protection: If flights are delayed or canceled due to weather, strikes, or other unforeseen circumstances, these protections ensure that travelers are not left stranded or without resources. "The travel industry has seen a rise in travel disruptions like flight delays caused by mechanical breakdowns or weather in the travel world," says Terry Boynton, president of Yonder Travel Insurance. "Flights affected by mechanical breakdowns, bad weather, or unannounced strikes could allow travelers to file a claim for lost or out-of-pocket expenses.' One of the newest innovations is real-time alerts like the one introduced by Travelex. It turns out other companies also have new real-time alerts. Real-time alerts can keep you out of trouble this summer Travel insurance companies have added real-time alerts to their apps. Allianz Partners provides geolocation-specific safety and security alerts through its Allyz mobile app. "Should travelers find themselves in an emergency, they can also access a list of local emergency phone numbers and the location of U.S. embassies and consulates through the Allyz app," says Allianz spokesman Dan Durazo. "The app also provides one-touch dialing to reach Allianz's travel assistance team, which can help insured customers with nearly any travel-related problem." Allyz' latest trick: Helping policyholders find medical assistance when traveling outside of the United States. The company recently introduced a doctor visit scheduling service, which gives customers traveling internationally the ability to schedule doctor appointments for unforeseen medical events that require urgent medical attention — anything from a stomach bug to a migraine. The cost of these visits is covered under your policy. Medical help is a popular new travel insurance benefit Travel insurance that provides telehealth services is a trend. 'We're seeing more global telemedicine services included in travel insurance, and it's a game-changer for travelers," says Cai Glushak, chief medical officer for AXA Partners North America. "Being able to connect with a doctor without scrambling to find a hospital in a foreign country makes a huge difference. Whether it's a virtual consultation, prescription help, or just quick medical advice, it ensures convenience and peace of mind to the traveler, especially in a foreign healthcare environment.' For example, Insubuy, a visitors' insurance company, introduced a new feature called Air Doctor this year. It's a mobile-friendly portal that allows policyholders to connect and schedule appointments with English-speaking doctors anywhere in the world. "Advanced telehealth services like these are a great extra measure of security to consider when choosing a travel insurance plan," says James Nuttall, vice president of operations at Insubuy. Medical services like those offered by Insubuy, Allianz and Travelex represent one of the biggest travel insurance innovations for 2025, according to experts. "Many travel insurance companies have begun offering doctors whom travelers can call for medical advice while on vacation," says Megan Rodrigues, owner of Together We Travel, a travel agency. "They are on call 24/7 to answer any questions or concerns that arise. This increases safety exponentially as it eliminates travel time and, in some cases, safety concerns at the local facilities." Travel insurance is adapting to the needs of travelers Taken together, these new features represent a shift in the way travel insurance covers its customers. It's moving away from one-size-fits-all to a product that can protect people no matter where — or how — they travel. That's the assessment of Dean Van Es, CEO of Fast Cover Travel Insurance. "For example, some travel insurance providers now offer coverage for a range of common situations through packs designed for adventure sports, winter sports, and motorcycle trips," he explains. "Of course, it will depend on the exact scenario whether a claim is supported, but this type of insurance can offer travelers some security when taking part in risky activities during their vacation." Robert Gallagher, President of the US Travel Insurance Association, says it's just one-way travel insurance is changing to keep travelers safer. "Travel insurance continues to evolve with new innovations designed to keep travelers safe, especially as global travel risks grow," he says. Looking down the line to fall and winter, he expects travel insurance to continue to change. More providers will offer 24/7 assistance services to provide immediate help during medical emergencies, travel disruptions or security threats. He also sees more insurance companies offering advanced translation services to ensure travelers can communicate effectively with local authorities, medical providers and transportation services. And he sees more providers offering real-time security alerts and location-based updates to help travelers stay informed of potential risks. After all, the best travel insurance doesn't just cover you when something goes wrong — it helps prevent things from going wrong.
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Yahoo
Airfares are surging again after a months-long slump as carriers trim flights to ease a capacity glut
The latest consumer price index report showed airfares jumped 4% in July from the prior month, reversing a slump that began early this year. That's as airlines are reducing the number of flights, easing a capacity glut, while demand has rebounded after President Donald Trump's trade war slowed travel during the spring. Supply and demand are coming back into balance in the airline industry, meaning airfares are shooting higher again after an extended downtrend. The latest consumer price index report showed airfares jumped 4% in July from June, marking the first monthly increase since January. For much of the peak travel season, consumers enjoyed lower prices. Airfares ticked down 0.1% in June and fell 2.7% in May from the prior month. But those days look to be over for now. Airlines are trimming flights more aggressively than usual as the summer winds down. Domestic capacity among U.S. airlines has dropped 6% in August versus July, according to data from Cirium cited by CNBC. That's bigger than the cut of just over 4% during the same period a year ago as well as the 0.6% cut in 2023. And in the pre-COVID summer of 2019, capacity fell by 1.7% between July and August. The strike at Air Canada could throw another wrench into capacity as the carrier suspends operations. Canada's top airline operates around 700 flights per day. Earlier this summer, airlines found themselves with too much capacity as their expectations at the start of the year for another travel boom slammed into President Donald Trump's trade war in the spring. After he unveiled much steeper-than-expected tariffs in April, demand for flights slowed as consumers turned cautious about the economy and their finances. To avoid flying empty planes, airlines slashed prices. But Trump pulled back from his highest levies and signed several trade deals. With some uncertainty easing, airlines have reported that demand is rebounding. In fact, security screenings at airports in July and so far in August are up from a year ago. 'The world is less uncertain today than it was during the first six months of 2025 and that gives us confidence about a strong finish to the year,' United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby said last month. This story was originally featured on Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
